Catholic Relief Services

We need you now more than ever.   Our approach to foreign aid is about partnering with people to help them build better futures, providing the resources and tools they need to overcome challenges and thrive. While we are always there to provide life-saving relief in times of crisis, our goal is to help the people we serve become self-reliant and live with dignity.   When societies thrive, they contribute to greater global stability, reduce the risk of conflict, and create safer, more prosperous environments that benefit everyone, including us.   Thank you for supporting us. Thank you for your prayers. Now, we need you to take action to support our lifesaving and life-transforming work: https://brnw.ch/21wQzVH

We are proud to celebrate our work in West Africa—from improving nutrition for millions of Africans, access to water and hygiene, helping farmers become self-sufficient, or impacting youth education through school meals. We thank our colleagues and partners in West Africa for making this possible!

1.7 billion people around the world do not have access to financial services, like banks. Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) are a holistic, savings-led microfinance approach that provides a safe place for families or individuals to save and borrow money. The goal is to help these households better manage their existing resources through basic financial management skills and provide them with the tools to achieve this. Over 11.8 million people benefitted from this service in 2024, helping them become more financially secure. We can’t do this work without you. Your gift is needed now more than ever: https://brnw.ch/21wQxXE.

“It shouldn’t be political to help the poor around the world,” Mr. O’Keefe said. Read more at America Magazine: https://brnw.ch/21wREpe.

The situation is dire and we must act fast. Our most vulnerable sisters and brothers are being affected around the world due to funding challenges. Since our beginnings more than 80 years ago it is our donors in the United States that breathe life into our work. Please make a generous gift today: https://brnw.ch/21wQxXE.

Uh oh, look out Amat! That naughty goat is about to enjoy some of your groundnuts! Amat is a 19-year-old farmer who just had a successful groundnut harvest in South Sudan. Her farming group received essential support from Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada and CRS, including seeds and farming tools, enabling them to achieve better yields and improved livelihoods. That’s not all this project does—it’s tackling food shortages and conflict in Yirol West and Rumbek East counties in Lake State, South Sudan. Together, we’re helping farmers and livestock owners increase their production, empowering youth and women with skills and finances to start businesses and engage with markets, increasing leadership of women and youth in their communities, addressing gender-based violence and promoting peace between communities. We’ll be able to reach 6,000 people directly in South Sudan, with a ripple effect that will indirectly benefit 30,000 more!

Over 6,400 households in the Bodely Village in the Somali region of Ethiopia now have a brand new water 💧 system! This privately funded, innovative water system benefits not only families but thousands of cattle 🐄 —crucial for the pastoralist community's livelihood. The project includes shaded circular water troughs for cattle and conveniently placed water points for people. The new design allows jerrycans to be filled while still on donkeys, easing the burden of carrying them. The system features multiple water points, a 50,000-liter masonry reservoir, cattle troughs and elevated water points for easy jerrycan filling! “I am very proud that we are sustainably addressing the critical water needs of communities,” Zemede Zewdie, CRS Ethiopia Country Representative, said. “Previously, they had to travel several hours to fetch unclean water from riverbeds. Water is everything for the people: it provides food, income, health, education, and much more. I would like to thank our private donors for their contributions to these life-changing activities. My gratitude also goes to our partner, Haraghe Catholic Secretariat, who coordinated the construction of the water project in such innovative ways.”

On World Water Day, CRS is proud to share that in 2024, CRS helped over 2,700,000 people gain access to safe drinking water! 🚰 Over the next few weeks, we’ll illustrate how effective our work is through the programs we create and help implement, alongside each partner organization we strengthen, and within each geographic region we serve. Thank you to everyone who supports our mission because your gift is needed now more than ever: https://brnw.ch/21wQxXE.

🌶️ Chili Champions!🌶️  David’s community in Timor-Leste is spicing things up with their chili harvest! These fiery little peppers are not just adding flavor to their meals but also boosting their income. Talk about a hot success! This is all with the support of the HAKOREN project, funded by Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies.  As one of the project participants, David is harvesting chili on a half-hectare demonstration farm of the Hadomi Osan group, which translates as “Money-Mindedness.” The farm has 28 group members who grow and harvest various vegetables, benefiting their families by providing healthy, fresh food and contributing income to meet their basic needs. Read more about it here: https://brnw.ch/21wRg7R.

Sierra Leone has taken a step towards sustainable water 💧 management and environmental conservation in the Madina Community with support from CRS through the Waterfund Project. Before the project, the community struggled with severe water shortages due to rampant tree cutting and uncontrolled use of its water sources. CRS provided essential training to community members on sustainable land use and water management. This included educating the community on the importance of preserving the severely degraded Green Belt and Water Catchment area.   As part of the initiative, CRS also supported the community by installing protective pillars to demarcate and safeguard the area. Additionally, residents received training on how to establish and enforce local bylaws to prevent further destruction of the water source. These measures have contributed to the reforestation of the land, leading to the regeneration of trees and the restoration of a stable water supply.   The positive impact of the Waterfund Project is already visible, as community members report improved water availability and a renewed commitment to protecting their natural resources. With the reforestation efforts in progress and local governance structures strengthened, the Madina Community is now better equipped to manage its water and environmental resources sustainably for future generations.